Pet Dental Care Prevents Periodontal Disease

Does your pet have bad breath? When your dog comes to wake you up in the morning, do you push away his stinky but happy panting face? Are your kitty’s sweet kisses soured by the smell coming from her mouth? Most pets, by the time they reach 3 years of age, have developed some degree of dental disease. Dental problems are not only confined to the mouth either; as the disease progresses, it can begin to affect other organs of the body as well, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. There are over 700 different types of bacteria that make up dental plaque and tartar, and these little monsters, if left unchecked, will travel through the bloodstream and accumulate in the vessels of the liver, important sections of the kidney where filtration takes place, and hardworking valves of the heart. Plaque is also present below the gumline, invisible to the naked eye, but can cause tooth root abscesses, tooth root fractures, or erosion of the jaw bone.

Your pet may not seem bothered by dental disease, or you may not think it is a problem for your pet, but most animals are very good at hiding pain. Symptoms of dental disease may be as simple and straightforward as a foul smell coming from their mouth, or facial swelling, but it may also be as subtle as not chewing their food as thoroughly as they used to. They may swallow their food whole, or chew only on one side of their mouth. Maybe they don’t eat quite as much as they used to and have lost some weight, or maybe they drool a little bit more. Pawing at or rubbing their face on things can also be an indicator of dental discomfort.

Pet dental care is an investment. Because dental disease is so prevalent and pervasive, maintaining good oral hygiene for your pet is important. We offer prophylactic dental cleanings which include ultrasonic scaling (above and below the gumline), polishing, digital dental x-rays, and thorough dental evaluations. We are fully equipped and experienced at treating any dental pathology as well such as extractions, jaw fractures and some oral tumors. All of our dental work is performed under general anesthesia as this is the safest, most efficient and stress-free way of providing dental care for pets. Our fully registered and trained veterinarians and technicians use state of the art anesthetic and dental machines, as well as accurate electronic monitoring devices. Once your pet has a full dental cleaning, we can help you maintain their fresh breath and sparking smile by coaching you on tooth brushing at home, as well as some veterinary approved dental products that are designed and proven to slow the progression of plaque and tartar buildup.

At Edmonton West Animal Hospital, our veterinarians are highly experienced in dental preventive care as well as treatment. We offer affordable wellness exams during which your vet will evaluate your pet’s dental health, and make any necessary recommendations for oral care. Our skilled veterinarians will provide you with a cost estimate as well, so that you can budget accordingly, and our pet dental costs are among the most affordable in the city! Curious about our payment options? Check out our payment options link on our website! Our clinic is conveniently located in the west end of Edmonton, close to multiple transportation corridors, so we are handy to every part of the city. We are open 365 days with extended hours to serve you better in case your pet needs immediate emergency vet care. If you’re looking for pet dental care near you, don’t hesitate to give our friendly staff a call or text at (780) 488-0124.